CPI Evidence Collection & Analysis 3

Question 1

When photographing potential paranormal light anomalies, which environmental factor most commonly produces false orb images?

Accepted Answer

Dust particles, moisture, or insects near the lens

Answer

Dust, moisture droplets, and insects reflect flash light and appear as orbs, making them the most common source of false-positive orb photos.

Question 2

An investigator captures a 'mist' on camera during an outdoor nighttime investigation. What is the most important variable to rule out first?

Accepted Answer

The investigator's breath in cold air

Answer

Breath vapor in cold outdoor air is the most common mundane explanation for photographic mist anomalies.

Question 3

Which data logging method provides the most objective record of environmental changes during an investigation?

Accepted Answer

Continuous automated sensor logging with timestamped data

Answer

Automated sensor logs produce objective, timestamped data free from human memory bias or selective reporting.

Question 4

What is 'matrixing' (pareidolia) in the context of paranormal photo analysis?

Accepted Answer

The brain's tendency to see familiar patterns, like faces, in random visual noise

Answer

Matrixing (pareidolia) describes the human brain finding meaningful patterns—especially faces—in random or ambiguous images.

Question 5

Why is chain of custody important when handling paranormal evidence files?

Accepted Answer

It ensures the evidence has not been altered or tampered with after collection

Answer

Maintaining chain of custody documents who handled evidence and when, protecting its integrity and credibility.

(CPI) Certified Paranormal Investigator Practice Test